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Embera Indian Village: Meet Locals and Learn Unique Ancestral Culture in Panama's Tropical Forest
4.9
9 Ratings
Colon
Immerse yourself in the unique ancestral culture of the Embera Quera Tribe in Panama’s tropical forest. Meet locals, learn their traditions, and experience their warm hospitality.
Immerse yourself in the unique ancestral culture of the Embera Quera Tribe in Panama’s tropical forest. Meet locals, learn their traditions, and experience their warm hospitality.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Chagres National Park - Your day will start with your hotel pickup, were you will be escorted to A/C vehicle, where a knowledgeable guide will be awaiting to provide you with an overview of Panama on the your way to the jungles of the Central Region.
Your host will prepare you for the cultural feast you are about to experience by sharing the…
-
Chagres National Park - Your day will start with your hotel pickup, were you will be escorted to A/C vehicle, where a knowledgeable guide will be awaiting to provide you with an overview of Panama on the your way to the jungles of the Central Region.
Your host will prepare you for the cultural feast you are about to experience by sharing the history and customs of the Emberá Indians. These are the keepers of the Rainforest and Chagres River. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will leave the comfort of your vehicle to board the dugout canoes that will take you to the Emberá Village. Although not the most luxurious, these dug outs are sturdy and worthy craft which were critical in the conquering of the jungle and in establishing supply lifelines for both Indians and Spanish. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river’s edge.
What's Included
- Hotel Drop Off
- Guided Tour
- Snacks
- Hotel pickup
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Visit to Embera Indian Village
- Hotel Drop Off
- Guided Tour
- Snacks
- Hotel pickup
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Visit to Embera Indian Village
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information
A journey into the lives of the Embera Quera Tribe, which for its attachment to the ancestral culture, residents educated in tourism, located in the tropical forest, its hygienic facilities, artisan variety, good service and constant improvement, links with universities and research centers, indigenous culture and environmental conservation, this…
A journey into the lives of the Embera Quera Tribe, which for its attachment to the ancestral culture, residents educated in tourism, located in the tropical forest, its hygienic facilities, artisan variety, good service and constant improvement, links with universities and research centers, indigenous culture and environmental conservation, this village was chosen by the experts of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan of Panama, as the Model Village of Indigenous Tourism in the Republic of Panama. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will leave the comfort of your vehicle to board the dugout canoes that will take you to the village. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle as if by magic, in the Village, the Chief will welcome you with traditional Embera hospitality. A series of dances have been arranged to add to this cultural exchange.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Not recommended for participants with back problems.
- Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
Location
Chagres National Park
Carretera Madden,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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1 star
Stephanie_g
Apr 6, 2023
Priceless Tour - Enjoyed every moment of the Embera Indian Village tour, from the food, history, dancing and market items they created. Will definitely be back.
Review provided by Viator
Nelson
Dec 5, 2019
Educational! - This was an excellent tour, departing from our cruise ship docked in Colon. Joe, our tour guide, was encyclopedic in his knowledge of Panama, and prepared us well for our visit to the village. On the bus ride the driver spotted a pair of sloths in a tree just off the highway and pulled over to let us out to observe them in the wild.
The canoe ride up the river was almost like entering a time machine, despite the modern outboard motors on the dugout canoes. The people were kind and welcoming, although they would probably rather be living as their ancestors did rather than have to resort to tourism - the National Forest that has taken over their lands doesn't allow them to hunt or cut down a tree.
Visit this place. Be respectful of these people. And learn something new.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trailblazer550880
Jul 27, 2019
Educational tour!! - If you are interested in an educational and cultural tour this is for you!
Alejandra, our guide, is an excellent guide!! She picked us up on time, she started speaking about everything regarding Panama since we got in her car.
I was surprised of all her knowledge about everything in Panama! I hope I get to come back and visit Panama in the future and I hope I find Alejandra again!!
The people in the village are very kind, they are willing to spark to you about their every day living.
I also would like to mention that the village people are very talented in their arts and crafts that they sell in their village! Their prices much cheaper than other places.
I rate this trip a 5 stars!! With this agency through trip advisor!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krista
May 23, 2018
We really enjoyed going to the... - <p>We really enjoyed going to the village and learning about the history of these indigenous people.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Mario
Apr 4, 2018
A short tour packed with a lot of... - <p>A short tour packed with a lot of information and culture. Our guide, Miguel was very knowledgable, professional, and friendly. He told us about the Embera as well as current events in Panama. Highly recommend!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Esther_a
Feb 7, 2018
It was a wonderful tour! Our guide... - <p>It was a wonderful tour! Our guide was awesome! The people at the village were very hospitible and friendly! <br/>
Enjoyed it very much! Highly recommend it!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Sarah
Nov 19, 2017
had a private day in the village... - <p>had a private day in the village - excellent lunch cooked by one of the women - great boat ride to/from the village</p>
Review provided by Viator
Sabrina
Mar 20, 2017
I had the luck I had the best guide... - <p>I had the luck I had the best guide Guillermo to share this bful experience. During to trip to the National Park, Guillermo kindly took the time to explain me not only about the Embera but also about many other things. Without Guillermo my experience would not have been the same as he knows the field, the Embera and has such a wide knowledge on everything. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for an exceptional tour. I had such an unforgettable experience and a lot of pictures/videos to remind me of this amazing day. Everyone I met during my travel in Panama regretted not having time left to do this trip. I would schedule this in your itinary, book it and ask for Guillermo as he will do all he can to make this a wonderful day for you. It is definitely worth it!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Nincornwall
May 19, 2019
Is this for real?? - After nearly 2 hours on a bus from Colon, we arrived at the river bank to board our canoe up the river. Would think again if you are a little shaky on your feet, as you have to balance to walk down the canoe. We got on almost last, so didn't have far to walk. It was only about a 15 minute ride up the river (would have liked longer) to the Embera Indian Village. We were greeted with musicians playing local instruments, and walked up to the village where we were given a welcome drink. We were free to wander round the village on our own, and look at the cooking area and I watched a woman doing her washing under a running top. We returned to the large straw covered area to watch dancers and musicians who then got the audience up to dance with them. I danced with a young tribal warrior! All good fun! We were given fried banana and dried fish to eat, both delicious! Those who didn't want it were given a cheese and ham sandwich - boring! Try everything once is my motto! After this we had more free time, and that's when I became a little disillusioned. I wandered behind the 'tourist' area and found all the children playing in modern day jeans and T-shirts, and women in modern clothing too. The Indians who entertained us were all in tribal costumes and paint, and I'm afraid my conclusion was that this was just a tourist village, not a real tribal village. I suspect the houses at the back had all mod cons and the stick ovens we were shown were just for visitors! What a shame! Must say we enjoyed the day out anyway.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
